Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy (koh-luh-NAH-skuh-pee) lets the physician look inside your entire large intestine, from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way up through the colon to the lower end of the small intestine. The procedure is used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. It is also used to diagnose the causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits. Colonoscopy enables the physician to see inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, ulcers and bleeding.
For the procedure, you will lie on your left side on the examining table. You will probably be given pain medication and a mild sedative to keep you comfortable and help you relax during the exam. The physician will insert a long, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a colonoscope (koh-LON-oh-skope). The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon so the physician can carefully examine the lining of the colon. The scope bends, allowing the physician to move it around the curves of your colon. You may be asked to change position occasionally to help the physician move the scope. The scope also blows air into your colon, which inflates the colon and helps the physician see better.
If anything abnormal is seen in your colon, such as a polyp or inflamed tissue, the physician can remove all or part of it using tiny instruments passed through the scope. That removed tissue (biopsy) is then sent to a lab for testing. If there is bleeding in the colon, the physician can either inject special medicines or pass a laser, heater probe or electrical probe through the scope and use it to stop the bleeding. Bleeding and puncture of the colon are possible complications of colonoscopy; however, such complications are uncommon.
Colonoscopy takes 30 to 60 minutes. The sedative and pain medicine should keep you from feeling much discomfort during the exam. You will need to remain at the facility until a nurse releases you to your driver.
For more information or to schedule an appointment or referral, call 919.938.4404.
Procedures
- Capsule Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Colon Screenings
- Hemorrhoid Banding
- Upper Endoscopy
- Endoscopic Retrograde
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Procedure Preps
Contact Info
Jordan Digestive Diagnostic Center
649 Guy Road
Clayton, NC 27520
919.938.4404 (office)
919.938.3055 (fax)